Nobody wants to feel like their nose is not serving them either aesthetically or functionally, and if you do, perhaps you should consider rhinoplasty.
Welcome to the world of rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, where a simple procedure can have a profound impact on your appearance. Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, has the power to transform not just your nose but also your entire face. Whether you’re looking to correct a physical imperfection or simply achieve a look that better reflects your unique beauty, rhinoplasty may be the answer. Let’s take a deeper dive into everything you need to know about rhinoplasty, from the surgery itself to the recovery, and why you should consider Dr. Sophie Ricketts.
Why should I consider rhinoplasty?
There are a variety of reasons why a person should consider rhinoplasty. Some people may have a physical imperfection that they would like to correct, such as a hump on the bridge of the nose, a droopy tip, or uneven nostrils. Others may consider this surgery because they have difficulty breathing due to structural abnormalities in their nose and wish to have this corrected. Others may simply wish to achieve a different appearance for their nose, one that they feel will better reflect their overall facial features or enhance their overall aesthetic. It is important to have a consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sophie Ricketts, to discuss your expectations and goals and to understand what the procedure entails.
What does the rhinoplasty surgery involve?
As mentioned above, rhinoplasty can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons, so different techniques are used in surgery to meet the individual’s specific needs or goals.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make incisions inside the nose or on the columella, which is the strip of skin between the nostrils, to access the underlying bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped to achieve the desired result.
In an “open” rhinoplasty, the incision is made on the columella and the skin is lifted to give the surgeon access to the underlying structures. In a “closed” rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, so there is no visible scarring.
The surgery typically takes between one and four hours to complete, and it is done under general anaesthesia.
What is the recovery like after rhinoplasty surgery?
Recovery after rhinoplasty surgery varies for each patient, but in general, it usually takes about a week for the bruising to subside and several weeks for swelling to decrease.
Right after the surgery, the eyes and face may be swollen and a little bruised, and there will be a splint on the outside and inside of the nose. Pain and discomfort are usually minimal and can be managed with pain medication, which the surgeon will prescribe.
For the first few days after the surgery, the patient is advised to keep their head elevated and not blow their nose.
The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing and have any external sutures and spints removed.
The individual should avoid strenuous activities for around six weeks after surgery, and most individuals can return to work or school within a week to ten days after the rhinoplasty. The final results of the surgery can take several months to a year to fully appreciate.
Why Dr. Sophie Ricketts?
Dr. Sophie Rickets, based in Richmond, Victoria, has had 12 years of practice specialising in surgery of the face. She is board-certified by the Medical Board of Australia and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
If you’d like to know more about rhinoplasty or other surgeries Dr. Sophie Ricketts offers, visit https://drsophiericketts.com.au/procedures/.
Please don’t hesitate to book a consultation if you are interested in rhinoplasty or if you have any questions – just call 03 9828 1300.
